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Brownsville, Texas, has a semitropical climate, making it a good destination if you're an RVer trying to escape a harsh northern winter or looking for a location for summer water sports. Hiking and cycling are popular in Resaca de la Palma State Park, while golf, shopping and a thriving artist community are other draws to the town. Brownsville is also a good base for exploring its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande.

What to Do

You won't be at a loss for things to do in Brownsville. Its mild climate means that birdwatchers can enjoy an abundance of species year-round, while butterflies and wildflowers are rarely absent from the landscape. Just a half-hour from downtown is the Brownsville Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area Boca Chica Unit--good for wildlife watching, walking and hiking--and the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

When to Go

Brownsville vacations can be successful nearly any time of the year, but if you come in the summer months of June, July and August, prepare yourself for average highs over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so this may be best for more water-oriented trips. Even in January, the city's coldest month, temperatures still reach nearly 70, so the winter's low rainfall and cooler temperature may make it the best season if you're doing more-intense outdoor sports, like long-distance cycling.

Near Downtown

If you want to do some shopping in Brownsville, or attend one of its many festivals throughout the year, it may be best to stay close to the downtown area. One option is Paul's RV Park on Minnesota Avenue. This site has a heated pool and hot tub, and the owners can also help you arrange parasailing, bungee jumping, fishing or dolphin watching in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Activities like line dancing are scheduled regularly.

On the Water

You may also choose to stay by the Rio Grande, to enjoy water-based activities like canoeing or fishing. The Breeze Lake Campground, on Vermillion Avenue, has a number of waterfront spaces available on one of the Rio Grande's tributaries. It has a solar-heated swimming pool on site, shuffleboard facilities, and regularly planned activities, like cook-offs and tai chi classes.

Resaca de la Palma State Park

Resaca de la Palma State Park is a haven for walkers, hikers and birdwatchers. There are more than eight miles of trails in the park, four observation decks and bicycles available to rent. However, the closest RV camps to the park are for adults. The River Bend Resort is an RV park quite close to Resaca de la Palma for visitors 55 years and older and has its own award-winning golf course on site. Palmdale RV Resort is also geared toward active adults with a heated pool, hot tub and recreation center. Families should stay closer to downtown, as the park is just a 15-minute drive.